The life expectancy gap between autistic and non-autistic people is significant, with autistic individuals generally living fewer years on average. Research indicates that autistic people tend to live about 6 to 16 years less than the general population, though this varies depending on factors such as gender, presence of learning disabilities, co-occurring health conditions, and access to healthcare.
For example, studies from the UK show that autistic men without learning disabilities have an average life expectancy around 74.6 years, while those with learning disabilities live about 71.7 years. Autistic women without learning disabilities tend to live slightly longer—around 76.8 years—but those with learning disabilities have a lower average lifespan near 69.6 years. In contrast, non-autistic people in similar populations often live into their early eighties or late seventies[1].
Other research highlights a roughly six-year difference in life expectancy between autistic adults (about 75 years) and non-autistic adults (about 81 years). However, these numbers may be affected by underdiagnosis of autism in older adults and other factors[2][5]. Some studies report even larger gaps—up to around 16-18 fewer years for autistic individuals compared to the general population[4].
Several reasons contribute to this disparity:
– **Co-occurring medical conditions:** Many autistic individuals experience epilepsy, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues, or mental health challenges like anxiety and depression that can impact longevity.
– **Safety risks:** Difficulties recognizing danger or tendencies toward elopement (wandering away) increase risk of accidents or injury.
– **Healthcare barriers:** Autistic adults often face challenges accessing appropriate healthcare due to communication differences, sensory sensitivities during medical visits, lack of clinician knowledge about autism in adulthood, and fragmented care systems.
– **Social isolation:** High rates of social isolation among autistic people can negatively affect both mental well-being and physical health over time.
– **Stigma and systemic obstacles:** Discrimination in education employment opportunities limits socioeconomic status which correlates with poorer health outcomes.
Despite these challenges lowering average lifespan statistics for many on the spectrum at a population level there are notable exceptions demonstrating potential for long lives when supported well. For instance Donald Gray Triplett—the first person ever diagnosed with autism—lived until age 89[4]. This shows that longevity is possible especially when strong family support networks exist alongside tailored therapies addressing individual needs throughout life stages.
Improving quality of life for autistic individuals involves adopting a lifespan approach focused on:
– Early diagnosis paired with intervention
– Accessing specialized healthcare sensitive to sensory/communication needs
– Providing social supports reducing isolation
– Promoting safe environments minimizing accident risks
Increased research attention is needed particularly on aging within the autism community since much remains unknown about how symptoms evolve over decades and what interventions best support healthy aging[2]. Understanding these dynamics better will help close the gap so more autistic people can enjoy longer lives comparable to their neurotypical peers while thriving socially and emotionally as well as physically.
In summary: The life expectancy gap exists but varies widely based on multiple intersecting factors including disability status within autism itself; however it does not define individual outcomes nor limit potential for fulfilling long lives given adequate support systems across medical care social inclusion safety measures throughout development into older adulthood.
